“Every script I got was a cigarette and a hat”: ‘Breaking Bad’ Changed Bryan Cranston’s Life, but Jon Hamm Wasn’t So Lucky With ‘Mad Men’

Actors Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston are renowned for their iconic roles in two of television’s most celebrated series, Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

While both shows achieved critical acclaim and significantly impacted the television landscape, the career trajectories of Hamm and Cranston diverged sharply after their respective series concluded.

Bryan Cranston’s portrayal of Walter White transformed his career, while Jon Hamm found himself grappling with typecasting after playing Don Draper.

Hamm’s rise to fame as Don Draper in Mad Men was meteoric.

The show, which aired from 2007 to 2015, became a cultural phenomenon, earning numerous awards and accolades.

However, the success of Mad Men came with its own set of challenges for Hamm.

Unlike Cranston, whose role in Breaking Bad allowed him to break free from his previous comedic typecasting, Hamm faced the daunting task of shedding the persona of Don Draper.

In interviews, Hamm has openly discussed the struggles he faced post-Mad Men, revealing that he felt Hollywood had boxed him into a specific type of character.

Bryan Cranston, on the other hand, experienced a dramatic transformation in his career thanks to Breaking Bad.

Prior to his role as Walter White, Cranston was primarily known for his work in comedy, particularly his role in the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.

However, Breaking Bad showcased his range as an actor, allowing him to explore darker, more complex characters.

The success of the series not only earned Cranston several Emmy Awards but also solidified his status as one of the leading actors of his generation.

His performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to diverse opportunities in both film and television.

In contrast, Jon Hamm’s post-Mad Men career has been marked by a struggle against typecasting.

In an interview, he reflected on the roles he was offered after the series ended, expressing frustration at being pigeonholed.

“Oh, every script I got was a cigarette and a hat and a cocktail or something,” Hamm lamented, highlighting the industry’s tendency to associate him exclusively with the suave, charismatic persona of Don Draper.

This typecasting phenomenon is not uncommon in Hollywood, where actors often find it challenging to break away from iconic roles that define their careers.

Despite the initial setbacks, Hamm has worked diligently to diversify his filmography.

He consciously sought out roles that would allow him to showcase his range as an actor.

One of the standout performances during this period was his guest appearance on the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock.

In the show, Hamm played Dr. Drew Baird, a character that provided a refreshing contrast to his dramatic role in Mad Men.

His comedic timing and ability to embrace humor garnered positive reviews, earning him three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

Hamm’s decision to lean into comedy was a strategic move aimed at breaking free from the constraints of typecasting.

In the same interview, he explained, “That’s why, for me, it was a very conscious decision to lean into the comedic stuff that I wanted to do, whether it was 30 Rock or SNL or fill in the blank, because I knew I had [the dramatic stuff] going.”

This approach not only showcased his versatility as an actor but also allowed him to redefine his career in the aftermath of Mad Men.

The contrasting paths of Hamm and Cranston serve as a testament to the unpredictable nature of Hollywood.

While Cranston’s role in Breaking Bad catapulted him into a new echelon of stardom, Hamm’s journey emphasizes the challenges actors face in escaping the shadows of their most iconic roles.

Both actors have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating their careers, ultimately achieving success on their terms.

As the television landscape continues to evolve, the experiences of Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston offer valuable insights into the complexities of typecasting and the importance of versatility in an actor’s career.

Their respective journeys remind us that while iconic roles can define an actor’s career, the ability to embrace new challenges and explore diverse characters is essential for long-term success in the industry.

In conclusion, the stories of Jon Hamm and Bryan Cranston highlight the impact of groundbreaking television on an actor’s career trajectory.

While Breaking Bad significantly changed Cranston’s life, allowing him to break free from typecasting, Hamm’s experience with Mad Men underscores the challenges that come with fame.

Their journeys continue to inspire aspiring actors and serve as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.